And just like that, the Leprechaun vanished.
Ultimately, it was just to skip Lev's useless tutorial monologue.
However, it is also true that my thinking was short-sighted.
Lev was the mastermind, but the only person who could confirm that has now disappeared...
"L-Lev is dead! What have you done!"
Ah, there is a young lady here who fancies her sugar daddy.
"It is fine. The Doctor will take over the role of your sugar daddy."
[Eh!?]
"What nonsense are you spouting!?"
[W-were the two of them in that kind of relationship...!?]
"That's impossible! To kill my right-hand man... what were you thinking!"
"Sigh... I apologize, but are you the type to immediately forgive the person who killed you?"
"Huh...?"
"My Fairy Eyes can perceive the truth. He was the one who killed you. And he was the ringleader who orchestrated this entire situation. Whether you believe it or not is your choice."
Castoria feels strangely unkind to the Director. I don't think it's just my imagination.
"And you expect me to believe that?"
"That is why I said it. To believe or not is your freedom. I have told you the truth; what you do with it is up to you."
"In the wild, one relies on instinct to determine such things! What about you?"
"...."
The Director seems half-convinced. The problem is that we deleted Lev too quickly. Is this going to turn into a development where I'm misunderstood as the mastermind? That would be a bit...
Actually, it's a common trope. The protagonist comes from another world, is too strong, and gets treated as an enemy! It's as common as the hero being kicked out of the party!
Am I about to experience that firsthand? Actually, there is something more important right now. What to do next. Should I save the Director or not? If I use Saint Quartz to summon a suitable Servant, it might be possible. But... is that allowed?
Is it okay to save her here? Won't I be suspected even more if I save her? Many thoughts are crossing my mind...
'What do you think? Should I save the Director here or not?'
'Is it not a question of whether to make her into a Crypter (Hinako) or not?'
'True...'
'My opinion is to use a Craft Essence!'
Craft Essence...?
'When do you intend to use Heaven's Feel? You always use the Black Grail, but never that one, correct?'
...I can use Craft Essences separately? Aren't they supposed to be equipped on Servants? I haven't equipped it yet, but I can use it like that?
'Some Craft Essences hold little power, but some, like Heaven's Feel, possess power comparable to the real thing. That is true for all Max Limit Broken Essences!'
I'm learning this for the first time. This damn System really is FGO; the explanations are so lacking...!
I immediately checked my Craft Essence inventory and equipped [Heaven's Feel] on Castoria. I thought this just increased Noble Phantasm damage? Does it really grant the Third Magic...?
"...Be grateful for Master's mercy. You are about to live a new life. Well, try to behave yourself from now on."
"Huh?"
[Wait, that magical energy is... Don't tell me!?]
Solomon seemed to realize what it was, and alongside Castoria's magecraft, Heaven's Feel activated. Thus, the miracle of the Third Magic was demonstrated.
"...Wh-what is this?"
The Director was bewildered as she watched herself glow momentarily. That makes sense; she probably doesn't even realize she died.
"Hey, what did you just do?"
"You'll find out later, Ritsuka. It seems the Singularity is collapsing."
The ground began to shake like an earthquake, and the Doctor hurriedly initiated the Rayshift. Let's try to avoid the suspicion route if possible.
And immediately, I was called to the infirmary.
"Do you know why I called you here?"
"Because I am the only Master who is awake?"
Immediately after the Rayshift, Ritsuka fainted, so I was the only one with my wits about me. I don't know why I'm fine, but... The Director fainted the moment she discovered her own body (or lack thereof).
"It's about you, Mr. Dumpty. Your nationality is Korean, and you are an adult. As for your name, well, many people change their names to English ones these days. However, what I find important is your behavior."
"Pardon?"
Did I do something strange?
"You acted as if you could see something in empty space, and you would often stare at nothing while deep in thought."
Ah...
Come to think of it, the Status Window is only visible to me, but I was looking at it openly. Am I perhaps the "idiot" type of reincarnator...!
"Honestly, I want to trust you. At least, the way you helped everyone wasn't a lie. I know your nature isn't evil. However, you need to explain that suspicious behavior."
Rather than a threat, it sounded more like a plea for me to convince him. As expected of someone who knows about the Incineration of Humanity, he wants to understand every variable. But...
Speaking about this is dangerous. It's fine if only Romani knows. Just as Goetia only realized Romani's true identity at the very end, he is a man who hides things surprisingly thoroughly. However, if others find out, it will become a nuisance because of Goetia. What if someone finds out and their memories are read? That is entirely possible with the power of the King of Mages, or a Demon God Pillar.
No, would I be the one targeted? Haha...
This is complicated. Things suddenly turned out like this. I didn't wish for such a suffocating situation. Then, what should I do? Truth or lies? or a truth that takes the long way around?
Option 3.
"If I said I was connected to the Root, would you believe me?"
"What...?"
"A connection to the Root. In the distant past, the Root was right beside us, and there was an era when all magi used the power of the Root. Even in the modern era, there are people connected to the Root. Surprisingly many, actually. If not, I can show you proof."
"Proof...?"
"Yes, I can prove it to gain your trust. Shall I show you?"
"...Do it."
Good. I hadn't planned on summoning her, but since I reached Bond Level 10 with her, I might as well call upon the Original.
I immediately use the 3 Saint Quartz I collected from defeating Saber as a catalyst to perform a Special Summon!
An Existing Summon, that is.
With a brilliant light, she descends.
"Shall I sever him? Master."
"No, don't cut him... We must protect the Doctor. He is just a pure(?) otaku who loves VTubers."
"....... 「 」?"
"Long time no see? Mr. King of Mages. Ah, is this the first time we've met in person? For now, as fellow accessors of 「 」, shouldn't we at least say hello? Ah, or are you not one right now?"
"..."
"So, do you believe me? Doctor."
"...I'll believe you. Otherwise, this would be impossible. No, in the first place, 「 」 isn't an existence that would follow just any random person. Mystic Eyes of Death Perception... even for the original me, that would be a difficult opponent... Did you know my true identity too?"
"The King of Mages is now a VTuber-loving otaku!?"
"I get it, so stop... Sorry. I apologize for doubting you."
"No, I understand. It is a natural suspicion. I expected someone would ask eventually."
Rather, because he is the Doctor, he was convinced by such a definitive method.
"Haa... Of all things, a connection to the Root. No, perhaps in a situation like this, it's actually reassuring. You understand the current situation, right?"
"The Incineration of Humanity, right? Just trust me. I will carry you through it! Probably."
"With 「 」 here as well, it's so reassuring I'm speechless."
I chatted with the Doctor a bit more, finished up nicely, and parted ways. Whew, that drained my mental energy...
"...You summoned another one in that short time. It's not a Three Day Reign, but a Three Minute Reign for me..."
"Why are you sulking again, Castoria?"
"That sounds like a food name!"
It was Castoria, feeling left out because 「 」 had joined the party.
"Setting that aside, I am hungry!"
"Do Servants get hungry?"
"Not exactly, but the mood demands it! Nyahahaha!"
Jaguar Man's suggestion to eat. I felt the same. Canned food wasn't enough. Especially since Castoria ate it all.
We headed to the cafeteria together.
"By the way, can I call you... Shiki?"
"Call me whatever is comfortable. You are my Master, after all."
Since reaching Bond 10, I haven't used Shiki for anything other than Tower Events due to performance issues. It's not the fear that she might cut my throat out of resentment for that... but unlike the other two, she feels very mature, so she's a little difficult to handle.
"I-Is that so...?"
"Of course. After all, you are the person I like, are you not?"
...Hmm?
"Ah, if you are going to bring up Mikiya, he belongs to that Shiki's persona. I am a different personality, you see? I have affection for him, but I do not understand 'love'. I was rejected, anyway. However, towards you, I feel something akin to that emotion. Neither Human Order nor Providence concerns me, but for you, I could do anything."
Hmm... that's a bit scary.
"If Master's wish is Saint Quartz, I can create as much as you want. What is your wish, Master?"
I feel like she would actually grant it...
"Ahem, that is a wonderful offer. However, traditionally, in cases like this, there is meaning only in gathering them through effort. If you get the result without the effort, people tend to lose their reason for living, don't they?"
Kuh~ That was a line from a game, but it was good.
"I see. Tell me whenever you need it. Even if you die from a bad gacha roll (explosion), I will embrace you."
"So the premise is that I'll die from the gacha."
" isn't that always the case? Fufu."
Tsk... Dying from gacha salt is common, I suppose. Unless it's a Guaranteed Summon, I'll probably explode...
We arrived at the darkened cafeteria and raided the refrigerator.
"Ooh, it's manga meat."
"Fufu, with Jaguar, any meat becomes appetizing!"
"It is just a whole roast. Though it does look delicious."
We took out a piece of unprepared meat and roasted it. Oven? No, we built a fire and did it primitively. But it looks tasty. I took a bite... Hmm, unseasoned meat. But I can't resist the texture filling my mouth.
"Munch munch... You aren't eating, Shiki?"
"I am fine."
Hmm, she says she doesn't sleep either. Is she different because she is the Root?
"Then, would you like some pudding?"
I opened a pudding with "Romani" written on it from the fridge and put it on a plate. This is the price for doubting me, Chicken...!
"If Master is giving it to me, I will eat it happily."
I get a strangely chilling vibe. Hmm, why?
"Yes, perhaps because Master gave it to me, it is good."
Well, she is cute regardless.